Town Council - 05/16/12

The summary of posted reported live from the Town Council meeting held on Weds May 16, 2012 can be found here

Town Council - opening and recognitions
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/live-reporting-town-council.html

License hearing - Bamboo House
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/live-reporting-license-hearing.html

People's Rights Amendment discussion
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/live-reporting-peoples-right.html

Graydon Smith's full comments on the People's Rights Amendment
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/voices-of-franklin-graydon-smith-on.html

Legislation for action
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/live-reporting-action-items.html

Closing out the meeting
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/live-reporting-closing.html

Franklin cub scouts running registration event after tying up shoe drive loose ends

Franklin Packs to hold Spring Registration May 20th on the Town Common after a successful 5-week shoe drive.

Franklin Cub Scouts have Fun!

FRANKLIN, MA – May 15th, 2012 – This past Saturday marked the fifth and final weekend of the Franklin Cub Scouts’ shoe drive.  During this town-wide drive, the five Cub Scout packs in Franklin collected hundreds of used shoes that will be finding new homes and keeping our landfills a little less full.

“If I had to make a rough guess, I would say the packs collected at least 500 pairs of shoes,” said Chris Botchis, cubmaster of Pack 17.  “I believe we can call our community service project a success.  Our thanks go out to the Franklin community and to those volunteers who both manned the stations and spread the word to family and friends.”
 
On Sunday, May 20th, the five packs will be hosting a membership registration event on the Franklin Town Common from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.  This week the packs are taking a final tally and will reveal the number of shoes collected during the event. The lucky boy who guesses the closest to the actual number of shoes collected will win a free registration to Cub Scouts for a year, a prize worth $60. Additionally the pack that’s collected the most shoes will win an ice cream social, courtesy of the other four packs.

“We will have a number of fun and interesting Scouting stations set up for the boys to sample,” said Botchis.  “One of the more popular events for Pack 17 is our annual Rocket Night that we hold each summer.  I think the parents are as excited as the Scouts to see the rockets take off, and it becomes a competition of who spots the parachute first.  We will be displaying some of the models that have been built, along with examples of the launching systems at the event on the Common.”

Kids will also be able to participate in a “Rain Gutter Regatta” that involves actual rain gutters filled with water on which the boys race small boats that they build themselves.  The event is one of many that Cub Scout packs across the country include in their annual programs.  The goal of the Regatta and other Cub Scout competitions, such as the famous Pinewood Derby, is to stress the Cub Scout motto of “Do Your Best.” While learning good sportsmanship, the competitions give the Scouts a chance to learn new building skills. At Sunday’s event, there will be both pre-made boat kits as well as some that kids will be able to build and race themselves.

Other events that day will include a compass course, a knot tying demonstration and an interactive animal tracks display.

“Our goal is to include a number of activities that touch upon the skills the boys will acquire and some events in which the boys will participate while in Cub Scouts,” Botchis said.

Boys currently in kindergarten through fourth grade will be able to sign up right at the event.  One important benefit of signing up on Sunday is that they will be able to start participating in all of the summertime activities that all five packs have planned right away, including marching in this year’s Memorial Day parade through downtown Franklin.

Like the other packs, Pack 17 already has a number of activities planned for the summer.  In addition to the parade, the Scouts will do their part during the Memorial Day weekend and join all the packs and Boy Scout troops in town to honor veterans by helping replace worn flags on veterans’ graves.  Later in the summer, Pack 17 will take part in a two-night sleepover at Cub World in Rhode Island.  Additional activities will include day hikes, the July 4th parade, a fishing derby and plans to see a Brockton Rox baseball game with a sleepover in the outfield.  Other events from throughout the past year include the Pinewood Derby, a sleepover on the USS Massachusetts and their annual holiday party in December.

Pack 17 is chartered by the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Lodge 71 and is made up mostly of boys from the Helen Keller and Davis Thayer schools’ neighborhoods. The Pack meets one night each month from September through June to present awards earned the prior month, perform skits, and generally to have a great time together.

Of course, while having fun in Cub Scouts is an important aspect of the program, just as important is the goal of the Boy Scouts of America, which is to provide a program for young people that builds character, trains them in the responsibilities of participating citizenship and develops personal fitness.  The Boy Scouts of America believes – and, through over a century of experience, knows – that helping youth is a key to building a more conscientious, responsible, and productive society. And the Cub Scout program strives to accomplish this in a safe environment for the boys.  Adult leaders are required to take a course specific to youth protection, and there are numerous resources and training courses available to leaders and parents alike.  These courses provide information on various topics including safe swimming, physical wellness, hiking and camping.

So in between church or brunch and your weekly yard work, this Sunday bring your sons down and get them started on the road to becoming courteous, trustworthy and kind young men.  Registration for new recruits is $60 per boy for more than 18 months worth of programs, and the fee includes a rank-specific handbook, neckerchief and neckerchief slide.  For those who cannot make the event, visit BeAScout.org today to register with your local pack.  The packs of Franklin hope to see you there.

“This is not what our founding fathers had in mind”

From the Town Council meeting Weds night, the Milford Daily News reports:

Councilors largely refused to discuss the merits of the amendment. 

“I do not feel this is the forum for this topic,” Councilor Glenn Jones said, a sentiment that was echoed by at least three other councilors. 

Councilor Matthew Kelly pointed out that the council has a history of being non-partisan, and said accepting or rejecting the amendment would infringe on that tradition. 

Unlike the councilors, residents at the meeting were willing to take sides in the matter.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x738805193/Franklin-council-cool-to-election-amendment#ixzz1v7MiUhtp

My reporting on this section of the meeting can be found here:
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/live-reporting-peoples-right.html

The full statement by Graydon Smith can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/voices-of-franklin-graydon-smith-on.html

Massbudget First Look: The Senate Ways and Means Budget

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First Look: The Senate Ways and Means Budget    This morning, the Senate Ways and Means Committee released its budget proposal for FY 2013. MassBudget's First Look provides a preliminary analysis of the major initiatives and the effect on key programs. To address the $1.3 billion deficit facing the state, the Senate Ways and Means budget (SWM) uses a combination of cuts, savings, and one-time revenues. Notably: The Senate Ways and Means Budget relies more heavily on cuts and savings than either the House budget or the Governor's budget.  Unlike the Governor's budget--but like the House--the SWM budget does not include revenue from new taxes.  Read A FIRST LOOK: THE SENATE WAYS AND MEANS FY13 BUDGET MassBudget provides independent research and analysis of state budget and tax policies--with particular attention to the effects on low- and moderate-income people.

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In the News: Hunger Games, alarm system, ticks

‘Hunger Games’ recreated at Franklin school

by Alison McCall/Daily News staff

Alarm raised about new rules for public safety radio system

by David Riley

State warns residents about tick-borne diseases

by Staff reports

Voices of Franklin: Graydon Smith on the People's Rights Amendment

The proposed agenda for the Town Council meeting May 16 was changed to remove the resolution referenced. There was discussion on the item but that was all.

You can find the agenda here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-may-16.html

Links to the People's Right website
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/support-of-peoples-rights-amendment.html

and the discussion summary here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/live-reporting-peoples-right.html


Graydon was one of two citizens to step forward to speak on this matter. He graciously shared the copy of his comments with me.

Mr. Chairman, Councilors, thank you for allowing me to address you about the proposed Resolution 12-33: "Expressing the Sense of the Franklin Town Council in Support of the People's Rights Amendment".
My name is Graydon Smith, I reside in Franklin Massachusetts. I currently serve on the Franklin Long Range Finance Committee and serve as the Secretary of the Franklin Republican Town Committee. The following statement is my own.

First, I would like to address the proposed Constitutional amendment that the Council is considering endorsing. I find it ironic that this is labeled the "People's Rights Amendment" as this amendment does nothing to secure the rights of people. Our rights, enshrined in the Bill of Rights all have one thing in common. They all place restrictions on the authority of government from infringing on the rights of individuals. This proposed amendment does nothing to restrict the power of government, but instead, is a grant of unlimited authority to regulate speech if the speakers are incorporated.

The proponents of this amendment, including Congressman McGovern, argue that the Supreme Court erred in striking down campaign finance restrictions on political speech by corporations; They claim that the Supreme Court granted first amendment rights to corporations. I disagree. What the Supreme Court affirmed was that we as individuals to not forfeit our rights when we act or speak as a group.

I would ask the proponents of this Constitutional amendment, at what point exactly, do we as individuals give up our rights when we join a group? Are we going to allow the collective rights of members of a group to be trampled if the basis of the group happens to be a profit motivation?

The exercise of our right to free speech is is amplified when we as individuals come together in groups to support a cause. This amendment would undermine that exercise of our individual rights of speech and association. Under this amendment, speech sponsored by corporations could be regulated on the basis of "corporate speech we like" vs "corporate speech we dislike". There is no protection for dissenting voices. Additionally, under this amendment, the government would be free to regulate and criminalize any and all corporate speech. Nothing in this amendment states that any regulations would be limited to restrictions on participating in the political debates of the day. 

Finally, Franklin has a tradition of non-partisanship in its local elections and government. I myself have supported members of the Council from both sides of the political spectrum, and have been a public advocate in defense of the Town Council during recent controversies when I felt the Council acted in the best interests of Franklin. I consider this to be a highly partisan issue that has no direct bearing on any operational issues facing the town of Franklin. As such, I see no benefit to the Council nor the Town of Franklin to make an endorsement of this amendment. As such, I am asking the Council to not adopt this resolution. I respectfully ask that any and all votes regarding Resolution 12-33 be done by roll call.

Live reporting - Closing

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Beautification day this Saturday, come out with gloves to help

L. OLD BUSINESS

M. NEW BUSINESS

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Bissanti - thanks for the recognition for my father

Jones - Thanks for the proclamation, we need to do more of these

Pfeffer - Degnan recognizes
DPW has saved the trees with mulch and water
Someone dropped off a queen size bed and mattress at the Train station, the DPW cleaned it up

Mercer - completed 60% project document, submitted to MSBA, this will be another cost estimate to ensure still on budget and target with our numbers. We are well on our way to the 90% documents

Dellorco - thanks to Vinny Debaggis for all his years of service

Kelly - Memorial Day parade in the morning

Vallee - veterans breakfast at the Elks lodge, call the Senior Center before hand to reserve a spot


O. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required
none required

P. ADJOURN
motion to adjourn

Live reporting - Action items

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
none

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 12-32: Order Dedicating Town-Owned Land at 459 Pleasant Street for Use As A Public Playground or Recreation Centre
motion to approve,  passed 8-0 (Roy left early)

if passed we can apply for a $300K grant to build a playground, picnic area, parking, etc.
The DelCarte proposal is coming up Jun 6 which would include the dam repairs and trails, etc.

The amount of people getting there has tripled over his observation


2. Resolution 12-33: Expressing the Sense of the Franklin Town Council in Support of the People’s Rights Amendment
removed from action for this agenda

3. Resolution 12-34: Acceptance of Gift – Town of Franklin Council on Aging
motion to approve,  passed 8-0


4. Bylaw Amendment 12-683: Amendment to Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic, §19.B – 1st Reading
motion to move to 2nd reading, passed 8-0


As discussed the Post Office has been coming downtown after closing their Forge Park facility. This provides spaces with a fee to allow for the employees of the Post Office. Others can use it by buying a parking sticker at the Municipal Building. The postal workers would be parking early and reduce exposure to accidents.


5. Bylaw Amendment 12-684:Amendment to Chapter 82, Appendix A, List of Service Fee Rates – 1st Reading
motion to move to 2nd reading, passed 8-0


increase in parking rate from $240 to $360, affects the merchant parking not the commuter parking

Live reporting - People's Right

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Jeff Roy speaks for the proposed amendment to the US Constitution in favor of People's Rights.

Additional info on this can be found
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/support-of-peoples-rights-amendment.html


Needham and Medway had enacted this support this week and there are a number of other communities who have also joined this effort.

Tina Powderly is not sure that this is the right forum and concerned about the precedent that this would set.

Matt Kelley agrees with Councilor Powderly that this is not the right forum.

Graydon Smith, Franklin resident and member of the Long Range Finance Committee. The amendment ironically does nothing for people's rights. The amendment undermines the rights of people. No protection for dissenting voices. (full copy added here http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/voices-of-franklin-graydon-smith-on.html)

Mr Hill speaking for the amendment, the bill of rights were intended for people not corporations, political entities of corporations have been granted rights more than what the forefathers had in mind. Please pass the resolution supporting the People's Rights. It has to come from cities and towns, it is not going to come from the top down. We the people are giving up the power to corporations unless Franklin steps forward to join this effort.

Bissanti - thanks to Jeff Roy for bringing this forward. It is something that can be done.

Jeff Roy - thank you for engaging in the discussion. I have a general sense of where the Council is at this time.

Live reporting - License hearing

F. HEARINGS 
Alcoholic Beverage License - Failure to Pass Compliance Check – Bamboo House – 7:10 PM


Chief Semerjian outlines the incident that occurred on Fri Apr 13 where an individual was served without being asked for the license check.


Motion to apply the standard one day penalty with two days held in abeyance for 2 years, the day penalty to be observed this Friday (May 18).


Motion passed, 9-0

Live reporting - Town Council

Present: Mercer, Dellorco, Kelly, Powderly, Vallee, Pfeffer, Jones, Bissanti, Roy
Absent: none

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
February 1, 2012, February 15, 2012
motion to approve minutes, passed 9-0


B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Verizon, Comcast, and Franklin Matters

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
Proclamation, Andrew E. Bissanti

Town Council Chair Robert Vallee reading a proclamation to recognize Andrew E Bissanti for his receipt of a Bronze Star


D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Ken Norman, Board of Assessors, asking for additional participation as Vinny Debaggis has resigned due to health. Please apply through the Town Administrator office.

Dennis Grello (?), Franklin Republican Committee, (1) expressing concern with the new high school building and the plans for the existing roof. There are issues with roofs on other buildings, school and senior center today. Would like to get the Building Committee to consider a life-time roof. (2) Put in a well for the use of watering the fields rather than using our existing water supply. Water is serious and we should consider this. (3) Is there anyone in the building business on the Building Committee. Has questions on the construction with regards for ledge testing and water table that should be answerable. The Senior Center is probably too small, there is a second floor but it will require an elevator.

E. APPOINTMENTS
none

Speak up for walking - join us Thursday or call in.

	In 2012, WalkBoston needs your advocacy donation to convince our Senators and Representatives to think outside the car and pass legislation that keeps walkers safe. Join Us Or Call In To Get Beacon Hill Moving! By Price Armstrong The day is almost here. Thursday, May 17th, advocates from around the state are going to come to Boston, urging their legislators to make biking and walking a priority. If you are interested in coming to the Summit, our RSVP system has closed, but feel free to join us as a drop in guest. We also have some exciting news, so please read below for a few updates. Keynote Speaker Aaron Naparstek We are pleased to announce that Aaron Naparstek, founder and former editor-in-chief of StreetsBlog, will be giving a lunchtime presentation on the power of local advocates to improve their communities. He is currently a Loeb Fellow at Harvard and has a wealth of experience as a livable streets advocate and community organizer. You can read more about him here. Virtual Lobby Day For those of you who can't make it to the event, we will be holding a virtual lobby day. Call in or email your legislators urging them to support our bills under consideration, listed above. We will send out an action alert the morning-of with more information, so stay tuned. Don't know who your legislator is? Find out here. Event Details Where: Massachusetts State House, Nurses' Hall, Boston When: Thursday, May 17th 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM The Schedule: Before you arrive: Call in to your state legislators' offices to set up a meeting time. 10:00 – 12:00 PM: Check in at Nurses' Hall, get materials and tips, and meet with your legislators. 12:00 – 1:00 PM: Come back to Nurses' Hall for lunch and a quick presentation. If you have any questions, email hborcherding@walkboston.org or call (617) 367-9255. Help us get Beacon Hill moving, donate online today, or send your generous donation to WalkBoston at 45 School Street, Boston, MA, 02108 Thank you to our corporate members:

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Update: Stamp Out Hunger Drive Results

Good Afternoon,

Please let me take this opportunity to thank all of you for your help on Saturday to make the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive such a success.  I know there were times when we were standing around, but in the long run it is all worth the wait!  We collected more than 3,800 lbs of food that day which is such a huge help to keep the shelves stocked for our families in need.  Everything was organized and we were ready for business when we opened the doors this week for our clients to come in.

Thank you again and please visit our website franklinfoodpantry.org to view some of the pictures that were taken that day.

Linda Sottile

Franklin Food Pantry

(508) 528-3115

“You need to be your own advocate”

Thirteen women, some of whom hadn’t met, or who knew each other only in passing, formed the walking group Sole Sisters, and volunteered to walk with Whalen in the two-day, 39-mile Boston Avon Walk for Breast Cancer on May 18 and 19. 

“They’re such a great group of women,” Whalen, 46, said, now past the surgery that removed the cancer. “You know your friends, but when something like this happens, that’s when you really know how great your friends are, and who your friends are.” 

Whalen was a nurse at Children’s Hospital in Boston for 20 years before quitting to take care of her three children: two daughters, now 14 and 15 years old, and a son, who is 11. 

“It’s a small thing we can do, walking and raising money,” said Peggy Sweeney, one of the Sole Sisters. “Lisa was very strong ... she was a trouper. She went through her treatment with grace and dignity.”

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x738804647/Franklin-woman-s-cancer-prompts-friends-to-rally-to-her-cause#ixzz1v1ZWeNUt

Better Business Bureau warns of 'Amazon' scam

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Better Business Bureau warns of 'Amazon' scam

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Staff reports on 5/15/12

The Better Business Bureau has issued a warning about a new email phishing scam that looks like an order cancellation notice from Amazon.com.

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to The Milford Daily News News RSS using Google Reader
• Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites

There are several worthy resources to help with your online safety.

• The Better Business Bureau can be found online:  http://boston.bbb.org/
• The US Government has this site:  http://onguardonline.gov/
• Wired Safety has their site: http://www.wiredsafety.org/

If you have found a site worthy of sharing, please send me an email or leave a comment.